Hit and Run Car Accidents: Who Pays?

On behalf of Law Offices of Paul K. Schrier, PLLC posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, December 28, 2016.

A hit and run car accident is not something that most drivers think about - unless and until it happens to you. You return to your car in the parking lot to discover a broken tail light, a dented fender, and no one around to explain what caused them.

You're on the highway when another car moves too close and too fast, leaving a long and deep scratch on the passenger side door, then quickly drives away before you can get a plate number. You have become a hit and run victim, which makes you angry, and your anger expands when you realize, as your lawyer will tell you, that without someone to provide his or her insurance coverage, the answer to "Who pays for this?" is probably going to be you and your insurance company.

Hit and Run Dos and Dos and Do Nots

Things to do after a hit and run accident include:

Get as much information as you can, such as car model or license plate number, from possible eye witnesses.

Take pictures of your damaged car and the accident scene.

Report the car accident to the police as soon as possible.

Laws in all 50 states require certain procedures to be followed after a hit and run car accident. It depends upon whether only property damage is involved, whether a person, such as a passenger or pedestrian, was hurt, or whether the hit and run caused someone's death, such as a passenger or a pedestrian.

Talk to a personal injury lawyer about the state laws that govern what to do if you are the cause of an accident with a vehicle and no one else is on the scene. If that happens, you are required to make a reasonable effort to find the driver, such as leaving a written note for the driver of the injured vehicle and identifying yourself.

Things not to do after a hit and run accident:

Don't try to follow the fleeing car.

Don't leave the accident scene except to move your car out of traffic or off the highway to a safe place.

Hit and Run Protection

How can you protect yourself from a hit and run accident? You can make sure that your own auto insurance offers you that protection. If you only have insurance that is mandated by your state, you will not be covered for a hit and run. That protection comes from uninsured motorist coverage, which may be added to your insurance policy.

The most common types are Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage (UMBI) or Uninsured Motorist Property Damage coverage (UMPO), which covers any damage to your vehicle Check with your auto insurance company to make sure that you are covered in case of a hit and run.

If you have been involved in a hot and run accident or any type of car accident call the experienced Florida personal injury lawyers at Paul K. Schrier, PLLC today. They have recovered over 500 Million dollars for injury victims and can help you.

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